The reflection on death should be frequently practiced by anyone who seeks freedom from suffering. It arouses the necessary urgency and makes us think about our priorities in life.
This talk introduces the basics of mindfulness. IT also explore different ways of being aware. We can view awareness practices on a spectrum from focused awareness, to flexible awareness, to natural awareness. The talk goes along with the July 9, 2018 Guided Meditation.
The protective power of the Dhamma can be experienced through different approaches such as mindfulness, the four protective meditations, restraint, virtue, going for refuge, patience, or the parittas.
A blessing is whatever reminds us of the sacred loving presence that shines through all of us. This meditation is a transformational practice in receiving and offering blessings. First we connect with the vulnerable tender place within us that longs to feel loved, and call on loving presence to bless us. By imagining and allowing ourselves to receive love, our hearts become open and filled with light. We then bring that inner loving presence fully alive as we offer blessings to other beings. The image of receiving a kiss on the brow, and offering one, is suggested as a powerful channel for the blessings that awaken our heart.
“…being loved into being more who we are is a moment of blessing. What is a blessing? A blessing is a reminder or homecoming into more realness – more love. We’re blessed when we remember.”
“Part of what keeps us from realness – in that small self identity – is the avoiding of what’s here.”